It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Brandon Historical Society gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Brandon, IA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always Best is OK but doesn’t seem to make up hours very well. When the”
“I knew a lady who works for Always Best Health Care that's why I chose”
“Always Best is OK but doesn’t seem to make up hours very well. When the caregiver is sick, nobody comes. I would think that they need a little more back up than they have right now. They give me a schedule, and billing is paid by Medicaid.”
“I knew a lady who works for Always Best Health Care that's why I chose it. The caregiver is very good with a very good attitude. They were able to provide the caregiver for myself immediately. She accompanies me to shopping.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Paul Sanders Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Stonewood Grill & Tavern, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Brandon, IA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Brandon, IA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Brandon, IA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Superman is back in Des Moines. Actor Brandon Routh, who portrayed the Man of Steel in "Superman Returns" in 2006, made a stop in Valley Junction on Friday to pick up some new Des Moines swag with his sister, singer Sara Routh.Brandon bought an Iowa Waves T-shirt from Bozz Prints, the vintage-inspired art prints and clothing shop in Valley Junction.&ldqu...
Superman is back in Des Moines. Actor Brandon Routh, who portrayed the Man of Steel in "Superman Returns" in 2006, made a stop in Valley Junction on Friday to pick up some new Des Moines swag with his sister, singer Sara Routh.
Brandon bought an Iowa Waves T-shirt from Bozz Prints, the vintage-inspired art prints and clothing shop in Valley Junction.
“Big shout out to @brandonjrouth and his sister @sararouthmusic for swinging by the store today! Always great to catch up and talk shop. ps-go watch the new “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” now on Netflix!” owner John Bozz said on Instagram.
Bozz said Routh is a repeat shopper.
“…last time he for sure got The Midwest shirt ... and I think he also got the I’m nice cuz I’m from Iowa shirt,” Bozz said in an email to the Des Moines Register.
Routh was born in Des Moines and grew up in Norwalk, graduating from Norwalk High School. He played sports and participated in theater and music programs. He attended Norwalk High at the same time as fellow actor Jason Momoa, who recently returned to his hometown to promote his Meili vodka at Fareway.
Routh is currently starring in the animated Netflix series “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off,” where he portrays Todd Ingram, a role he played in the original movie, “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.”
Routh also played the title character of the film “Dylan Dog: Dead of Night” and starred in the NBC series “Chuck” in the recurring role of Daniel Shaw.
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
247Sports Embed ResourceTCU will leave the state of Texas for the first time this week as they travel to Ames (IA) to take on Iowa State. Both teams enter the game at 1-1 in Big 12 play.The Frogs are coming off a tough 24-21 loss at home to West Virginia while the Cyclones fell to Oklahoma in Norman; 50-20. TCU won last year’s meeting over the Cyclones; 62-14.In last week’s loss to West Virginia, the Frogs struggled mightily in the second half after taking a 21-14 lead into halftime. The Frogs’ offense ...
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TCU will leave the state of Texas for the first time this week as they travel to Ames (IA) to take on Iowa State. Both teams enter the game at 1-1 in Big 12 play.
The Frogs are coming off a tough 24-21 loss at home to West Virginia while the Cyclones fell to Oklahoma in Norman; 50-20. TCU won last year’s meeting over the Cyclones; 62-14.
In last week’s loss to West Virginia, the Frogs struggled mightily in the second half after taking a 21-14 lead into halftime. The Frogs’ offense was abysmal in the third quarter as they gained just 1 yard. The offensive line struggled as a whole as the Frogs gained just 135 yards on the ground and leading rusher Emani Bailey struggled to just 2.9 yards per carry.
West Virginia also totaled five sacks on the evening.
The Frogs were without senior leader Brandon Coleman up front, but during his weekly presser head coach Sonny Dykes says he expects the big guard to return.
“He’s playing, he started practice today,” Dykes said. “He looked better than I anticipated so I was encouraged by that.”
Dykes says the team is still on the hunt for consistent offensive line play and adding more depth. In Coleman’s absence last week, true freshman Ben Taylor-Whitfield started his first career game. The last time Dykes had a true freshman start on the offensive line for him as a coach was when Jordan Mills started at Louisiana Tech.
As for trust, Dykes has seven offensive linemen he’s comfortable with playing. More reps are needed to gain more trust.
“Reps, reps and play and consistency,” he said. “We’ve had some guys banged up. I think we played the same five starters in 15 games last year. We’ve had a different rotation pretty much every week and that’s hurt us. We just haven’t been real consistent in who we got to play with.”
“Injuries are not luck. I think people just assume it’s luck. That’s not luck. We’re going fast now and as a result of going fast we’re playing a lot of plays in a game, there’s a lot exposure that your offensive line has. We’ve got to try to play more people. One bad play by the offensive lineman gets your quarterback out for the year potentially. We just need more guys we can trust. I think the number is getting there.”
“Long story short, that number has got to grow. We’ve got to be able to play more people. What’s happening is you also get more reps in practice so there’s more exposure in practice. We have to figure out how to manage that and get our guys the work that we need but at the same time make sure their fresh enough to one, stay healthy and two, play at a high level.”
Brandon Snyder’s Iowa football career has come to an abrupt end.The free safety who started all 13 games in Iowa's 2016 season but then sustained two serious knee injuries and ran into legal trouble told the Des Moines Register via text message Tuesday morning that he would be leaving the Hawkeye program to complete his final year of eligibility at South Dakota State.The University of Iowa released a statement later Tuesday morning to announce Snyder's departure. The decision was mutual.Snyder will b...
Brandon Snyder’s Iowa football career has come to an abrupt end.
The free safety who started all 13 games in Iowa's 2016 season but then sustained two serious knee injuries and ran into legal trouble told the Des Moines Register via text message Tuesday morning that he would be leaving the Hawkeye program to complete his final year of eligibility at South Dakota State.
The University of Iowa released a statement later Tuesday morning to announce Snyder's departure. The decision was mutual.
Snyder will be immediately eligible at SDSU as a graduate transfer. He completed his final undergraduate class at Iowa on Monday.
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BRANDON SNYDER: Former Iowa safety issues emotional Hawkeyes farewell
In conjunction with his departure, Snyder, a former walk-on from West Lyon High School in northwest Iowa, texted an emotional statement to the Register. In the 260-word message, he thanked Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and his staff for the opportunity, praised the kids at the UI Children's Hospital and said he was "deeply saddened" that he couldn't finish his college career as a Hawkeye.
"I have given Iowa everything I have inside of me, but at this time I believe God is leading me elsewhere," Snyder said. "I am submitting to His will and accepting that I am meant to be somewhere else."
In saying he would head to SDSU, an FCS power which happens to open the season at Iowa State, Snyder said he was looking forward to joining the Jackrabbits' "family culture."
In the Iowa release, Ferentz pointed to increased competition at Snyder's position leaving him a less-than-clear path to the field.
"We appreciate Brandon’s goal to play his full senior year," Ferentz said. "We wish him the very best and thank him for his grit on the field."
Snyder seemed to be on track to be one of the Hawkeye program's top comeback stories of 2018. After twice tearing his ACL in 2017 and an OWI arrest in December, Snyder was diligently rehabbing his left knee and his reputation to get ready for the season.
In a June interview with the Register, Snyder described the mundane and difficult road back to regaining his football health. He discussed how his weight-room numbers were as good as they’ve ever been.
But he also said working to win back the locker room was an ongoing challenge after his OWI arrest, in which his blood-alcohol level was .163 percent, more than twice the legal maximum to drive.
“You’ve got to earn the respect of your teammates back and the respect of your coaches,” Snyder said then. “That doesn’t happen overnight. It’s one of those things, you put your head down and show you’re still working hard. And eventually, you earn that trust back again.”
From the outside, it seemed everything was on track. At last week's Big Ten Media Days, the Hawkeye depth chart revealed Snyder as a co-starter with Jake Gervase at free safety.
Then Tuesday's news hit.
Even without Snyder, the Hawkeyes remain deep at the safety position. Gervase, a former walk-on, developed into a solid performer as the 2017 went on and finished with 58 tackles and three interceptions for the season. He and Amani Hooker will likely be the starting safety tandem (both were elected to the team's 12-player leadership group), with sophomore Geno Stone as the top backup.
Snyder's younger brother, Jaden, was planning to remain a Hawkeye as a freshman walk-on but hasn't yet joined the team.
Iowa wide receiver Brandon Smith has declared for the NFL Draft, meaning he wouldn’t play in Wednesday’s TransPerfect Music City Bowl — which suddenly was in doubt again Sunday, but this time (reportedly) over opponent Missouri’s COVID-19 issues.The 5-5 Tigers were “highly, highly doubtful” to play in the bowl game against 6-2 Iowa at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, ...
Iowa wide receiver Brandon Smith has declared for the NFL Draft, meaning he wouldn’t play in Wednesday’s TransPerfect Music City Bowl — which suddenly was in doubt again Sunday, but this time (reportedly) over opponent Missouri’s COVID-19 issues.
The 5-5 Tigers were “highly, highly doubtful” to play in the bowl game against 6-2 Iowa at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, according to a Sunday-afternoon story from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. According to the article, the spike was associated with Missouri’s Dec. 19 game against Mississippi State and Sunday’s practice was canceled. Missouri players had been sent home for a short holiday break by coach Eli Drinkwitz, and they returned to campus Saturday and were intending to travel to Nashville on Monday.
The Iowa football program, meanwhile, returned to their facility on Saturday for its first practice since Dec. 15. The team had announced a pause in-person activities on Monday due to COVID-19 issues within its program, but the resumption of practice was an encouraging sign on the Hawkeyes' end that the Music City Bowl could be played. The Hawkeyes practiced again Sunday, but now they're unlikely to have the prep work pay off
Meantime, Smith was joining fellow senior wideout Ihmir Smith-Marsette in saying his final game was Iowa’s 28-7 win against Wisconsin on Dec. 12. Smith caught three balls for 30 yards in that game, as well as a two-point conversion.
Smith thanked head coach Kirk Ferentz and assistant coach Kelvin Bell, a fellow Mississippi native who discovered him while on a visit home to his mother, for their roles in his development on and off the field.
“2020 has been a difficult year for so many and I would not have gotten through it without my brothers on the field,” Smith said in a social-media post. “We are more than teammates. We are family. Thank you, Hawkeye Nation, for everything. I promise to make you proud as I continue my career in the NFL.”
Smith finished his Iowa career with 91 receptions for 1,041 yards and nine touchdowns.
The Iowa Hawkeyes will send two wide receivers to this year’s NFL Draft. Although Ihmir Smith-Marsette has drawn attention, don’t sleep on Iowa’s Brandon Smith in this deep 2021 NFL Draft wide receiver class. Has the under-the-radar pass catcher got the opportunity ...
The Iowa Hawkeyes will send two wide receivers to this year’s NFL Draft. Although Ihmir Smith-Marsette has drawn attention, don’t sleep on Iowa’s Brandon Smith in this deep 2021 NFL Draft wide receiver class. Has the under-the-radar pass catcher got the opportunity to develop beyond his meager college production?
Positives: Nice-sized receiver who flashes ability. Sells routes, uses his hands to separate from defenders, and tracks the pass in the air. Adjusts to the errant throw, gets down to scoop up low passes, and possesses eye/hand coordination. Follows the quarterback across the field then extends his hands and nicely makes the reception on crossing patterns.
Negatives: Must pick up the blocking intensity and plays to one speed. Does not show a burst in his game despite his 40-time and lacks a second gear.
Analysis: Smith possesses the measurables to play at the next level and flashes pass-catching ability, but he lacks consistency. He comes with an upside but must quickly elevate his game to have any chance to stick on an NFL roster.
Although he approaches the 2021 NFL Draft with apparently very little attention, Iowa wide receiver Brandon Smith was a high school standout. The Lake Cormorant native was a three-year starter on the high school football team.
However, his athletic achievements were reserved solely for the gridiron. A track star, he made high jump finals as a junior before emerging as a state champion as a senior. He put that athletic ability to good use on the field.
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Although he played to a high level as a sophomore — earning First Team All-Conference honors– his junior and senior seasons were incredibly productive. As a junior, he turned 47 receptions into 750 yards and 7 touchdowns. He leveled up as a senior with 1,509 yards and 19 touchdowns. Both seasons he earned First Team All-State honors while being named Class 5A Region I Offensive MVP.
Despite his outstanding production, Lake Cormorant wasn’t a heavily recruited area. In turn, neither was Brandon Smith. He attracted some “Group of 5” offers before being discovered by Iowa. The Hawkeyes made an offer in May 2016, and despite late interest from Vanderbilt, he enrolled in 2017.
Unfortunately for Brandon Smith, the high school production was nullified by the Iowa offense. As a result, he heads to the 2021 NFL Draft as one of the least productive wide receivers in a deeply talented class.
Smith made his debut against Iowa State as a freshman in 2017. He would record his first reception as an Iowa wide receiver against North Texas. Despite playing in multiple games, Smith had limited opportunities. As a result, he ended his freshman year with just 10 yards from 3 receptions.
As a sophomore, he would get more opportunities to showcase his skill set. He made 12 starts, missing just one game with injury. Smith snagged his first career touchdown against Maryland and his second in the season finale against Nebraska.
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Although he ended the season with just 361 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, his sophomore season provided a demonstration of his potential. A circus catch on the sideline versus Minnesota — despite battling pass interference — introduced him to the world.
Another highlight-reel catch against Penn State — this time in 2019 — offered a further glimpse of his playmaking ability. His junior season was the most productive of his college career. Despite missing four games due to injury, Smith logged 439 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. In addition, he tallied the only 100-yard receiving game of his career against Purdue.
He would end his Iowa career with just 231 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns as a senior. Like the majority of his Hawkeyes’ career, inconsistent quarterback play and a run-focused offense limited his opportunities to excel.
Following the end of the 2020 college football season, Brandon Smith opted to forego his remaining eligibility and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.
In a deeply talented 2021 NFL Draft wide receiver class, Iowa wide receiver Brandon Smith could offer great value in the later rounds. Despite his lack of college production, he has demonstrated that he has a skill set that translates well to the NFL. He projects to be an outside receiver where he can use his height and jump ability to be a dangerous contested-catch threat.
At his pro day, Brandon Smith turned heads with a top-tier athletic performance, earning a Relative Athletic Score of 9.16. Among other numbers, he registered a 4.64 40-yard dash, a 39.5-inch vertical, a 130-inch broad jump, and 21 bench reps.
Teams with a need at the position include the Washington Football Team, Green Bay Packers, and Detroit Lions. However, there are multiple teams that will look to add a wide receiver late in the 2021 NFL Draft. This is where you can expect him to provide great value.
Dive into PFN’s Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator and test your own drafting acumen. Continue to visit Pro Football Network for NFL news and in-depth analysis. Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter (@PFN365) to stay in the loop on all things college football and the NFL Draft landscape.
Oliver Hodgkinson is a staff writer for Pro Football Network. You can follow him on Twitter at @ojhodgkinson.
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